Anchor for 220BR

[Homeskillet]

I apologize if this has been asked and answered. I am having a heck of a time anchoring on LAKE GENEVA in wind! I’ve been using a fluke style anchor, with 3’ of chain, and a lot of line…. And still not grabbing. I know their are factors regarding weed bottom, mud and drop offs. But I need something better for the days I wanna grab some fish for a fry with mama

Saw a Digger Anchor but no idea if it’s better and what side to get.

Also saw a box anchor too that seems like it was good but a bit cumbersome.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

[bruceb58]

3' of chain isn't close to being long enough. I carry 25' of chain for a 26' boat. Chain should be the length of the boat.

You also need to let out enough line. Depending on the wind, the amount of anchor rode may be 5:1 or 7:1.

[Kate]

"I’ve been using a fluke style anchor . . ."

Flukes do dig, so I don't think the anchor's your problem.

In addition to what B said, technique is everything: Drop anchor. Drift back slowly. When close to desired length, set anchor via gentle reverse. (You'll see and feel the tug.) Lay out about another 10'.

[Homeskillet]

Thanks for the replies Bruce and Kate!

I think I had almost 190’ of rope out with 3’ of chain at the anchor in 18 feet of water. Wind was whipping!

Do you recommend the Fluke style or should I switch things up ?

Kate - sounds like my technique is lacking. I have been giving it a light toss, and then letting my boat drift back until it’s where I want it and then tying it off. It usually stays for a little bit and then slowly gives away.

[Kate]

"then letting my boat . . ."

I used to use the same technique (in the same conditions, with the same style anchor). With the same result.

Then I changed only two things: More chain. The technique. No more drifting. (And I'm using the same fluke-style anchor.) The key is setting the anchor properly with that slight tug at the right distance.

"190’ of rope"

Retrieved by hand?!

[Homeskillet]

Yes … ALL that rope by hand lol!! Sometimes by me but mostly by my son

[Homeskillet]

IMG_4802.png

Would something like this work? (really appreciate the help )

[bruceb58]

Let's see a picture of your anchor. What brand and how much does it weigh? What type of bottom are you anchoring in?

You lower it in vs throwing it in right? Can tell a newbie boater right away because he throws his anchor. Throwing can cause an anchor to get fouled and does nothing useful.

I use a Fortress anchor. The chain I use is 1/4"

[CobaltDeadHead]

I use a Fluke with 5' chain for the front and a Box also with 5' chain for the back. Works well

[Homeskillet]

Really appreciate the help folks. I may have tossed an anchor or two in my day But listen, even though I'm old I can learn new tricks! Since acquiring the 220 a few years ago, we usually drift out in the middle, and in my fishing boats, I always used the spotlock on my trolling motors (no anchoring). So I am a bit of a newbie in terms of technique. I don't think the anchor weights more than 15 lbs.

Lake Geneva has weeds and mud in some areas, and in other areas, I'm trying to hold on slight breaks/drop offs. But depending on the wind and location, I may have steep breaks that I probably shouldn't even try to anchor at. I have not had any trouble getting this anchor to hold when I anchor at the beach. I do use the technique of dropping it in carefully and backing up (probably why it worked ) If we're in tons of weeds, it's usually pretty good. But if the weeds aren't thick, and the bottom is soft, a stiff wind will push me off my spot.

[Homeskillet]

Says my photo is too large

[bruceb58]

Lake Geneva has weeds and mud in some areas, and in other areas, I'm trying to hold on slight breaks/drop offs. But depending on the wind and location, I may have steep breaks that I probably shouldn't even try to anchor at. I have not had any trouble getting this anchor to hold when I anchor at the beach. I do use the technique of dropping it in carefully and backing up (probably why it worked ) If we're in tons of weeds, it's usually pretty good. But if the weeds aren't thick, and the bottom is soft, a stiff wind will push me off my spot.

You are going to have a tough time holding in dense weeds no matter what anchor you use.

I make sure I have my boat in reverse before the anchor has time to hit the bottom. This makes sure the flukes are already angled in the right direction and have less chance to foul in the chain.

[Homeskillet]

IMG_4806.jpeg

Anchor pic

[Homeskillet]

picture loaded below

[Homeskillet]

Lake Geneva has weeds and mud in some areas, and in other areas, I'm trying to hold on slight breaks/drop offs. But depending on the wind and location, I may have steep breaks that I probably shouldn't even try to anchor at. I have not had any trouble getting this anchor to hold when I anchor at the beach. I do use the technique of dropping it in carefully and backing up (probably why it worked ) If we're in tons of weeds, it's usually pretty good. But if the weeds aren't thick, and the bottom is soft, a stiff wind will push me off my spot.

You are going to have a tough time holding in dense weeds no matter what anchor you use.

I make sure I have my boat in reverse before the anchor has time to hit the bottom. This makes sure the flukes are already angled in the right direction and have less chance to foul in the chain.

We always pull up a ton of weeds with the anchor when they are thick. Almost feels like it holds the best in super thick weeds.